Pregnancy Month by Month: 4 Months Pregnant

Four months pregnant is kind of a big deal. Lots of exciting milestones occur this month as you get closer and closer to the big arrival.

Common Pregnancy Symptoms at Four Months Pregnant

While you might not experience all of them, these pregnancy symptoms are common during the fourth month of pregnancy:

Weight gain

Itchy skin around your growing tummy and breasts

Appearance of stretch marks

Nasal problems

Increased energy

Varicose veins

Spider veins

Changes in skin pigmentation.

At four months pregnant, there are relatively few nagging symptoms. That’s why this time is referred to as the ‘honeymoon’ period of pregnancy — when many mums-to-be take on decorating, shopping, travelling, and any other preparations that require more energy.

The Pregnancy Scan at 20 Weeks

Also known as the anatomy scan, the important 20 weeks ultrasound scan will allow your doctor to check that everything is OK with both you and your little one.

The ultrasound scan is a painless process. A cool jelly is rubbed on your tummy, and a wand is passed over your bump. A grainy image of your baby can be seen on a screen next to the bed.

Four Months Pregnant: Changes Inside and Out

Your Baby’s Development: Though your baby is still tiny, he’s already developing all kinds of features — even eyebrows and eyelashes. Plus, he may soon have a crop of hair on his head, but right now the body is covered with a waxy coating called vernix and fine hair called lanugo.

Your baby may also be sucking his own thumb, should his hand float to his mouth.

Changes to Your Body: At four months pregnant, perhaps between 18 and 20 weeks, you may sense your baby moving for the first time. The sensation will feel like butterflies fluttering in your tummy. What a sweet time.

Your growing tummy will likely be a little more obvious by now, and you might notice that people are curious about whether you are pregnant.

Some pregnant women will notice some pigmentation, like brown patches on your face or a dark line down your abdomen, due to hormonal changes. These will fade after delivery.

Fourth Month of Pregnancy Quick List

Your anatomy scan at 20 weeks: By 20 weeks, you’re at the halfway mark of your pregnancy, and it’s time for that all-important ultrasound.

Start browsing maternity wear: Although you may not need full-on maternity clothing at four months pregnant, your pants might start to feel a little snug. This could be a good time to start browsing local or online maternity stores to get inspired about trendy maternity wear.

Handle hunger pangs: You might experience more intense hunger pangs than you did before; if so, try to maintain your healthy pregnancy diet. Rather than eating twice as much, follow your doctor’s recommendations and add just a little more healthy food to your diet.

Take a vacation: Use that second trimester burst in energy, and the fact that your tummy is not yet so big, to get any bigger pregnancy preparations out of the way and take a relaxing getaway with your husband. If this is your first baby, then this could be a great chance to spend some one-on-one time with your husband before your little one joins you.